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Background & aim: Currently, due to the widespread use of antifungal drugs and the inability to treat candida patients with infection, the recurrence of the disease has increased in patients; therefore, this has caused researchers to use medicinal plants to treat fungal diseases. The aim of the present srudy was to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Nasturtium officinale and Salvia officinalis on the clinical and standard isolates of Candida in comparison with the antifungal drug fluconazole. Methods: In the present experimental study conducted in 2019 on 31 clinical and standard Candida isolates, including 11 Candida albicans isolates, 10 Candida glabrata isolates, and 10 Candida parapsilosis isolates isolated from candidal vaginitis, urinary tract infection, and otomycosis in Yasuj, Iran. Once collecting sage and spring grass, their hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared and used to determine fungal sensitivity by broth microdilution method. For this purpose, according to the standard yeast suspension dilutions along with each of the medicinal agents and plant extracts were added to the 96-well plates and incubated at 35°C. To conclude, the lowest concentration of growth inhibitor was calculated for each isolate. The collected data were analyzed using Excel software. Results: In the present study, among the three drugs and extracts examined, the MIC50 for hydroalcoholic extract of sage on three species of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis, respectively; 25,000, 12,500 and 12,500 μg/ml and MIC50 for the methanol extract of spring grass on three species in the same way, 25,000 μg/ml and MIC50 for fluconazole for three species; 0.25, 0.5 and 0.125 μg/ml were obtained respectively. Conclusions: Compared to fluconazole, hydroalcoholic extracts of sage and spring grass had much less effect on clinical and standard Candida isolates. The common species that causes candidiasis is Candida albicans, and according to the results of the presnt study, the hydroalcoholic extracts of sage and spring grass have relatively little effects in laboratory conditions; therefore, the use of this plant extract for the treatment of candidiasis is not recommended.

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a nutrient-dense salad crop with high antioxidant capacity and glucosinolate concentration and with the potential to contribute to nutrient security as a locally grown outdoor aquatic crop in northern temperate climates. However, phosphate-based fertilizers used to support plant growth contribute to the eutrophication of aquatic habitats, often pristine chalk streams, downstream of farms, increasing pressure to minimize fertilizer use and develop a more phosphorus-use efficient (PUE) crop. Here, we grew genetically distinct watercress lines selected from a bi-parental mapping population on a commercial watercress farm either without additional phosphorus (P-) or under a commercial phosphate-based fertilizer regime (P+), to decipher effects on morphology, nutritional profile, and the transcriptome. Watercress plants sustained shoot yield in P- conditions, through enhanced root biomass, but with shorter stems and smaller leaves. Glucosinolate concentration was not affected by P- conditions, but both antioxidant capacity and the concentration of sugars and starch in shoot tissue were enhanced. We identified two watercress breeding lines, with contrasting strategies for enhanced PUE: line 60, with highly plastic root systems and increased root growth in P-, and line 102, maintaining high yield irrespective of P supply, but less plastic. RNA-seq analysis revealed a suite of genes involved in cell membrane remodeling, root development, suberization, and phosphate transport as potential future breeding targets for enhanced PUE. We identified watercress gene targets for enhanced PUE for future biotechnological and breeding approaches enabling less fertilizer inputs and reduced environmental damage from watercress cultivation.

Diet and regular exercise can control blood pressure by producing adrenomedullin. This study examined the impact of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training and supplementation with Nasturtium officinale on serum adrenomedullin levels and blood pressure in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. A randomized clinical trial with a pre-test and post-test design was performed. Forty subclinical hypothyroid patients, both male and female, with an average age of 30.50 ± 6.41 years and a mean weight of 73.20 ± 6.48 kg were recruited using purposive sampling. The patients were randomized into four groups of equal size: training, training + supplement, supplement, and control (n = 10 per group). The supplement-consuming groups received 500 mg of Nasturtium officinale extract daily, whereas the training groups participated in three interval training sessions at 90–95 percent MHR intensity for eight weeks. The participants' adrenomedullin and blood pressure levels were measured before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed in SPSS version 20 using analysis of covariance, Tukey's post hoc test, and paired t-test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. All three experimental groups (training, training + supplement, and supplement) experienced a significant increase in adrenomedullin concentration (P > 0.001) and a significant decrease in systolic (P > 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (P > 0.001) after eight weeks of intense interval training and Nasturtium officinale supplementation. The average changes of these indices in the exercise + supplement group were comparable to those in other experimental groups (P ≥ 0.05). Based on the findings of this study, eight weeks of intense interval training and Nasturtium officinale supplementation likely cause vasodilation and a reduction in blood pressure in individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism by increasing adrenomedullin synthesis. This investigation revealed no synergistic effects of exercise and Nasturtium officinale supplementation on ADM and blood pressure indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Considering the role of oxidants in asthma, airway inflammation, and the anti-inflammatory effects of Nasturtium officinale extract, this study aimed to investigate the impact of the hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium officinale on sleep quality, asthma control, and quality of life in asthmatic patients. Methods: This parallel group randomized clinical trial was conducted in Yasuj, Iran. It included 60 patients who randomly received either Nasturtium officinale hydroalcoholic extract (500 mg daily, for four weeks, orally plus routine care) or a placebo (500 mg capsule containing flour daily, for four weeks, orally plus routine care). To achieve the study objectives, lung function (FEV1, FVC, PEF, FEF 25-75%, and FEV1/FVC), quality of life as measured by the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and asthma control as examined by the Asthma Control Test (ACT) were assessed at baseline and one-month follow-up. Results: In total, 48 patients (22 patients in the intervention group and 26 patients in the control group) completed the study. The analyses showed no significant differences between the two groups regarding changes in lung function, quality of life, sleep quality, and status of asthma control within a one-month follow-up. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium Officinale does not appear to improve sleep quality, asthma control, and quality of life in asthmatic patients in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recent anthropogenic sources and excess usage have immensely threatened the communities and habitat ecology of this region's medicinally and economically significant crops. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate the community structure and related environmental characteristics sustaining Nasturtium officinale communities along the river basin (RB) in Northwest Pakistan, using the clustering procedure (Ward's method) and Redundancy analysis (RDA). From 340 phytosociological plots (34 x 10 = 340), we identified four ecologically distinct assemblages of N. officinale governed by different environmental and anthropogenic factors for the first time. The floristic structure shows the dominance of herbaceous (100%), native (77%), and annual (58.09%) species indicating relatively stable communities; however, the existence of the invasive plants (14%) is perturbing and may cause instability in the future, resulting in the replacement of herbaceous plant species. Likewise, we noticed apparent variations in the environmental factors, i.e., clay percentage (p = 3.1 x 10-5), silt and sand percentage (p< 0.05), organic matter (p< 0.001), phosphorus and potassium (p< 0.05), and heavy metals, i.e., Pb, Zn, and Cd (p< 0.05), indicating their dynamic role in maintaining the structure and composition of these ecologically distinct communities. RDA has also demonstrated the fundamental role of these factors in species-environment correlations and explained the geospatial variability and plants' ecological amplitudes in the Swat River wetland ecosystem. We concluded from this study that N. officinale communities are relatively stable due to their rapid colonization; however, most recent high anthropogenic interventions especially overharvesting and sand mining activities, apart from natural enemies, water deficit, mega-droughts, and recent flood intensification due to climate change scenario, are robust future threats to these communities. Our research highlights the dire need for the sustainable uses and conservation of these critical communities for aesthetics, as food for aquatic macrobiota and humans, enhancing water quality, breeding habitat, fodder crop, and its most promising medicinal properties in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a nutrient-dense salad crop with high antioxidant capacity and glucosinolate concentration and with the potential to contribute to nutrient security as a locally grown outdoor aquatic crop in northern temperate climates. However, phosphate-based fertilizers used to support plant growth contribute to the eutrophication of aquatic habitats, often pristine chalk streams, downstream of farms, increasing pressure to minimize fertilizer use and develop a more phosphorus-use efficient (PUE) crop. Here, we grew genetically distinct watercress lines selected from a bi-parental mapping population on a commercial watercress farm either without additional phosphorus (P−) or under a commercial phosphate-based fertilizer regime (P+), to decipher effects on morphology, nutritional profile, and the transcriptome. Watercress plants sustained shoot yield in P− conditions, through enhanced root biomass, but with shorter stems and smaller leaves. Glucosinolate concentration was not affected by P− conditions, but both antioxidant capacity and the concentration of sugars and starch in shoot tissue were enhanced. We identified two watercress breeding lines, with contrasting strategies for enhanced PUE: line 60, with highly plastic root systems and increased root growth in P−, and line 102, maintaining high yield irrespective of P supply, but less plastic. RNA-seq analysis revealed a suite of genes involved in cell membrane remodeling, root development, suberization, and phosphate transport as potential future breeding targets for enhanced PUE. We identified watercress gene targets for enhanced PUE for future biotechnological and breeding approaches enabling less fertilizer inputs and reduced environmental damage from watercress cultivation.

Recent anthropogenic sources and excess usage have immensely threatened the communities and habitat ecology of this region’s medicinally and economically significant crops. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate the community structure and related environmental characteristics sustaining Nasturtium officinale communities along the river basin (RB) in Northwest Pakistan, using the clustering procedure (Ward’s method) and Redundancy analysis (RDA). From 340 phytosociological plots (34 × 10 = 340), we identified four ecologically distinct assemblages of N. officinale governed by different environmental and anthropogenic factors for the first time. The floristic structure shows the dominance of herbaceous (100%), native (77%), and annual (58.09%) species indicating relatively stable communities; however, the existence of the invasive plants (14%) is perturbing and may cause instability in the future, resulting in the replacement of herbaceous plant species. Likewise, we noticed apparent variations in the environmental factors, i.e., clay percentage (p = 3.1 × 10−5), silt and sand percentage (p< 0.05), organic matter (p< 0.001), phosphorus and potassium (p< 0.05), and heavy metals, i.e., Pb, Zn, and Cd (p< 0.05), indicating their dynamic role in maintaining the structure and composition of these ecologically distinct communities. RDA has also demonstrated the fundamental role of these factors in species–environment correlations and explained the geospatial variability and plants’ ecological amplitudes in the Swat River wetland ecosystem. We concluded from this study that N. officinale communities are relatively stable due to their rapid colonization; however, most recent high anthropogenic interventions especially overharvesting and sand mining activities, apart from natural enemies, water deficit, mega-droughts, and recent flood intensification due to climate change scenario, are robust future threats to these communities. Our research highlights the dire need for the sustainable uses and conservation of these critical communities for aesthetics, as food for aquatic macrobiota and humans, enhancing water quality, breeding habitat, fodder crop, and its most promising medicinal properties in the region.

In this study, the phytochemical content of Nasturtium officinale R. Br. (watercress) leaf extract (Noex) and its protective effects against paraben toxicity were investigated. GC–MS and HPLC analyses were performed to determine the phytochemical content. Paraben toxicity and protective properties of Noex were investigated with the Allium test, and 6 different groups were formed for this purpose. Toxicity in each group was investigated by using physiological, cytogenetic, biochemical, and anatomical parameters. DNA-paraben interaction was investigated with spectroscopic analysis for the genotoxicity mechanism. As a result of the study, paraben (500 mM) caused a regression in the physiological parameters related to germination in Allium cepa L. bulbs. Paraben caused a 43.3% reduction in mitotic index (MI) rates compared to control, which is likely the reason for the decrease in germination-related parameters. With the application of paraben in root tip cells, the frequency of micronucleus (MN) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) increased and a high genotoxic effect was observed. Paraben promoted CAs such as fragment, sticky chromosome, bridge, unequal distribution of chromatin, and irregular mitosis. It also caused anatomical damage in the form of epidermis cell damage, flattened cell nucleus, cortex cell damage, cortex cell walls thickening, and unclear vascular tissue in root tip meristem cells. Paraben-DNA interaction was caused by bathochromic and hypochromic shifts in the UV spectrum of DNA, indicating the intercalation mode of interaction. Paraben also caused an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels, and abnormalities in antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase = SOD and catalase = CAT), thereby disrupting the antioxidant/oxidant dynamics in the cell. The basis of physiological, cytological, and genetic abnormalities was attributed to the oxidative stress in the cell. Administration of Noex produced a dose-dependent incremental improvement in paraben-induced abnormalities. The increase in GSH levels and the decrease in MDA levels observed as a result of the Noex application contributed to the restoration of antioxidant/oxidant balance, and this improvement was also reflected in other parameters. Application of 200 mg/L Noex provided a 24.2% improvement in the MI rate reduced by paraben, and accordingly, an increase in germination parameters was observed. Similarly, the frequencies of MN and CAs, which are signs of genotoxicity, decreased with the Noex application. As a result of the phytochemical analysis of Noex with HPLC and GC–MS, the presence of strong antioxidant and antimutagenic substances such as rutin, coumaric acid, ferrulic acid, L-serine, L-proline, and phytol were determined in Noex structure. The curative effects of Noex against paraben toxicity can be attributed to these active ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paddy soils have been contaminated by cadmium (Cd). To remedy the Cd-contaminated paddy soils, four tea types (black, green, white, and dark tea) were added to the Cd-contaminated paddy soils and planted the emergent accumulator plants Nasturtium officinale, and the effects of tea the Cd accumulation of N. officinale were studied. The green, white, and dark tea decreased the biomass of N. officinale, while the black tea had no effects. Compared with the control, the green, white, and dark teas decreased the root biomass by 12.73%, 8.18%, and 17.73%, respectively, and decreased the shoot biomass by 31.50%, 26.43%, and 33.08%, respectively. All four tea types decreased the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents in N. officinale. For antioxidant enzyme activity, the four tea types decreased N. officinale superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities, while only the dark tea decreased the catalase activity. The four tea types had no effect on the shoot Cd content in N. officinale, and decreased the shoot Cd extraction due to decreased, or zero effects on the soil exchangeable Cd concentration. Therefore, tea cannot be used to improve the phytoextraction capacity of N. officinale for Cd-contaminated paddy soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of spraying an algal biostimulant at different concentrations (0, 600-, 900-, 1200-, and 1500-fold dilutions) on the growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation characteristics of accumulator plant Nasturtium officinale. In a pot experiment, application of the algal biostimulant at all concentrations promoted the growth of N. officinale by increasing the root and shoot biomasses, and the 600-fold dilution of the algal biostimulant had the strongest effect. At all concentrations, the algal biostimulant had no significant effect on the Cd content in roots of N. officinale, and increased the Cd extraction by roots. However, all concentrations of the algal biostimulant except for the 1500-fold dilution decreased the Cd content in shoots and Cd extraction by shoots. The N. officinale plants treated with the 600-fold dilution of the algal biostimulant had the lowest shoot Cd contents and Cd extraction by shoots. The algal biostimulant also increased the contents of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids) in leaves of N. officinale to varying degrees. Different concentrations of algal biostimulant reduced the superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity, and malondialdehyde content of N. officinale, but enhanced the catalase activity, soluble protein content, and relative conductivity. Overall, the 600-fold dilution had the strongest effect on the growth and Cd accumulation characteristics of N. officinale, but did not enhance the phytoremediation ability of N. officinale for growth in Cd-contaminated soil. These results show that this algal biostimulant can promote the growth and reduce the Cd uptake of N. officinale, which is benefit for N. officinale safety production as a wild vegetable in Cd-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background & Objective: The green synthesis of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is an eco-friendly and straightforward synthesis method. This study aimed to investigate the green synthesis of AgNPs using Nasturtium officinale leaf extract and analysis of their antibacterial activity against some nosocomial pathogens. Materials & Methods: The obtained AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, the antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs and N. officinale leaf extract were performed against five bacterial strains (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) by agar disk diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration test. Results: The green synthesized AgNPs had significant antimicrobial activity against all studied bacteria. In addition, greater inhibition activity was observed against E. coli and P. aeruginosa rather than other bacteria. Conclusion: The synthesized AgNPs revealed a special antibacterial effect against selected bacteria, compared to leaf extract of N. officinale. Identifying new antibacterial agents with profound efficacy against antibiotic-resistant opportunistic pathogens is essential. These data provide an eco-friendly and rapid green approach for AgNPs synthesis and the potential of AgNPs for use in drug development against nosocomial infections.

Background: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a severe economic and public-health problem for cattle producers. The emergence of acaricide resistance to synthetic chemical treatments has prompted interest in developing alternative tick control methods. Aim: The main objective of the current research was to identify the chemical structure of Carthamus tinctorius and Nasturtium officinale seed oils and to assess their anti-tick properties against Hyalomma scupense ticks both alone and in combination (1:1). Methods: Analytical methods were used to analyze the chemical components. For in vitro assays, adults of H. scupense were immersed in C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oils at 100, 125, 200, and 300 mg/mL concentrations; for 5 min. Larvae of H. scupense were dipped in 25, 50, 100, 125, 200, and 300 mg/mL doses of seed oils; the mortality percentage was determined after 24 hours. Results: The seed oil safflower was mainly composed of linoleic acid (84.48 %), followed by palmitic acid (6.54 %) and stearic acid (3.77 %). Meanwhile, watercress seed oil was mainly composed of linolenic acid (50.78 %), gondoic acid (13.57 %), linoleic acid (10.58 %), palmitic acid (8.02 %), and erucidic acid (6.62 %). The Adults Immersion Test showed the sensitivity of ticks to C. Tinctorius and N. officinale seed oil: C. Tinctorius seed oil caused (95 %) mortality of H. scupense at 300 mg/mL. While N. officinale seed oil induced (88.68 %) mortality at the same concentration. At a 200 mg/mL concentration, C. tinctorius and N. Officinale oil combined caused 100 % mortality. Tested oils showed larvicidal efficacy. LC50 values for C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oils were 84.16 mg/mL and 61.78 mg/mL, respectively, in 24 hours.LC50 value of oils association (50% C. tinctorius: 50% N. officinale) was 47.96 mg/mL. The mixture of seed oils from two plants tested against H. scupense larvae and adult females at a 1:1 ratio showed synergistic interaction. Conclusion: Seed oils tested alone, and the mixture could be used as an alternative solution in the fight against ticks.

Background and purpose: Previously, we reported the anti-inflammatory properties of Nasturtium officinale (watercress) in several models of acute inflammation. This study was designed to explore the effects of topical and systemic administrations of N. officinale in the two chronic inflammatory models and to evaluate the role of TNF-α and IL-1β in these effects. Experimental approach: Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods were used to estimate the extract’s total phenol and flavonoid content, respectively. Carrageenan-induced paw edema was carried out and TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations in the carrageenan-treated paw tissue were determined. Formalin injection into rat hind paws (7 days) and the application of 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on mouse ears (9 days) were used to simulate chronic inflammation. Furthermore, a histological assessment of the inflamed tissues was carried out. Findings/Results: The extract’s flavonoid and phenolic contents were 90.26 ± 4.81 mg rutin equivalents/g and 68 ± 8.16 gallic acid equivalents/g gallic acid, respectively. N. officinale pretreatment in all doses administered considerably decreased carrageenan-induced edema. The extract also reduced IL-1β levels in carrageenan- treated paws while did not affect TNF-α levels. Oral and topical administrations of N. officinale considerably reserved the paw and ear edema. The extract also ameliorated the tissue injuries due to formalin and TPA challenges. Conclusion and implications: The data confirmed the topical and systemic anti-inflammatory effects of watercress against two chronic models of inflammation. They suggested that these properties are not related to TNF-α but could be attributed to inhibition of IL-1β and inhibition of leukocyte infiltration.

Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) contamination is a severe problem in paddy soils that has affected crops' safety. The present study aimed at remediating Cdcontaminated paddy soil by improving the phytoremediation capability of aquatic accumulator plants. Methods: We conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on the growth and Cd phytoremediation capability of the aquatic accumulator plant Nasturtium officinale. Results: SA with the concentrations of 100, 150, and 200 mg/L increased the root and shoot biomass of N. officinale, while only 150 mg/L increased the chlorophyll a and b contents. SA increased the activities of peroxidase and catalase of N. officinale to a great extent, but decreased the superoxide dismutase activity and soluble protein content. SA also increased the root Cd content, shoot Cd content, root Cd extraction, and shoot Cd extraction to a large extent. At concentrations of 100, 150, and 200 mg/L, SA increased the shoot Cd extraction by 17.59%, 47.16%, and 43.27%, respectively, compared with the control. Moreover, SA concentration had a quadratic polynomial regression relationship with the root Cd extraction and shoot Cd extraction. The correlation and grey relational analyses revealed that root Cd extraction, shoot biomass, and root biomass were closely associated with shoot Cd extraction of N. officinale. Conclusion: Thus, our results suggest that SA promoted the growth and improved the phytoremediation (extraction) capability of N. officinale, and 150 mg/L SA was the most suitable concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of paddy soil affects safe crop production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of plant biostimulant amino acid fertilizer on the phytoremediation capability of an emergent accumulator plant Nasturtium officinale R. Br. for Cd-contaminated paddy soils. A pot study was carried out to study the effects of different concentrations of amino acid fertilizer on the Cd accumulation of N. officinale grown in Cd-contaminated paddy soil. The amino acid fertilizer increased the biomass of N. officinale. The amino acid fertilizer concentration exhibited a quadratic polynomial regression relationship with the root and shoot biomass. The fertilizer also increased the photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll and carotenoid) contents, peroxidase (POD; EC 1.11.1.7) activity, and catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) activity of N. officinale, but decreased the soluble protein content and had no significant effect on the superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) activity. Furthermore, the amino acid fertilizer increased the Cd content and Cd extraction of N. officinale. The shoot Cd extraction increased by 29.06%, 63.05%, 77.22%, and 17.40% at 1500-, 1200-, 900-, and 600-fold dilutions of the amino acid fertilizer, respectively, compared with the control. Moreover, the amino acid fertilizer promoted the Cd transport from the roots to shoots of N. officinale. The amino acid fertilizer concentration also exhibited a quadratic polynomial regression relationship with the root Cd content, shoot Cd content, root Cd extraction, and shoot Cd extraction, respectively. The correlation, grey relational, and path analyses revealed that the root biomass, shoot biomass, chlorophyll content, catalase activity, shoot Cd content, and root Cd extraction were closely associated with the shoot Cd extraction. Therefore, the amino acid fertilizer can promote Cd uptake and improve the phytoremediation capability of N. officinale to remediate Cd-contaminated paddy soils, and 900-fold dilution is the most suitable concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: bacterial plant disease; leaf spots; leaf edge senescence; Nasturtium officinale; wilt EN bacterial plant disease leaf spots leaf edge senescence Nasturtium officinale wilt 1 4 4 12/29/22 20221001 NES 221001 I Xanthomonas nasturtii i was first identified as the cause of black rot of watercress ( I Nasturtium officinale i ) on plants grown in Florida, USA (Vicente I et al. i , [5]). Based on detection in a watercress seed lot produced in Spain, the pathogen may be seed borne and therefore it is important to test watercress seed to avoid introducing the disease into clean beds and new areas/countries. [Extracted from the article]

Nasturtium officinale is a cadmium (Cd) accumulator plant, but its phytoremediation capacity is low compared to other hyperaccumulators. To improve the phytoremediation capacity, the seedlings of N. officinale was grown in Cd-contaminated paddy soils, and the effects of diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA-6) on N. officinale growth and Cd accumulation were studied. DA-6 increased the shoot biomass of N. officinale, and had a quadratic polynomial regression relationship with root and shoot biomass. DA-6 had no significant effects on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents, increased peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities, and decreased the soluble protein content. DA-6 also increased the Cd content and Cd extraction of N. officinale to some extent, and had a quadratic polynomial regression relationship with the root Cd content, shoot Cd content, root Cd extraction, and shoot Cd extraction. Significant correlations were found among plant biomass, chlorophyll content, Cd content, Cd extraction, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, soluble protein content and soil exchangeable Cd was significantly correlated with plant Cd content and Cd extraction. Therefore, DA-6 can promote N. officinale growth and improve its phytoremediation capacity for Cd-contaminated paddy soils, with a recommend optimum dose of 20 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundConsuming watercress is thought to provide health benefits as a consequence of its phytonutrient composition. However, for watercress there are currently limited genetic resources underpinning breeding efforts for either yield or phytonutritional traits. In this paper, we use RNASeq data from twelve watercress accessions to characterize the transcriptome, perform candidate gene mining and conduct differential expression analysis for two key phytonutritional traits: antioxidant (AO) capacity and glucosinolate (GLS) content.ResultsThe watercress transcriptome was assembled to 80,800 transcripts (48,732 unigenes); 71 % of which were annotated based on orthology to Arabidopsis. Differential expression analysis comparing watercress accessions with 'high' and 'low' AO and GLS resulted in 145 and 94 differentially expressed loci for AO capacity and GLS respectively. Differentially expressed loci between high and low AO watercress were significantly enriched for genes involved in plant defence and response to stimuli, in line with the observation that AO are involved in plant stress-response. Differential expression between the high and low GLS watercress identified links to GLS regulation and also novel transcripts warranting further investigation. Additionally, we successfully identified watercress orthologs for Arabidopsis phenylpropanoid, GLS and shikimate biosynthesis pathway genes, and compiled a catalogue of polymorphic markers for future applications.ConclusionsOur work describes the first transcriptome of watercress and establishes the foundation for further molecular study by providing valuable resources, including sequence data, annotated transcripts, candidate genes and markers.

To assess the effects of brassinolide (BR) on the growth and phytoremediation ability of cadmium (Cd) accumulator plants, different BR concentrations were applied to emerged accumulator plant Nasturtium officinale growing in Cd-contaminated soil. Brassinolide application increased the biomass, photosynthetic pigment content, and antioxidant enzyme activity of N. officinale. When N. officinale was treated with 1.5 mg L−1 of BR, the highest shoot biomass was obtained, recording an increase of 26.06%, compared to the control. In addition, BR treatment decreased the Cd contents in the shoots of N. officinale, and the BR concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg L−1 decreased the Cd content in shoots by 10.49%, 12.11%, 20.13%, and 17.23%, respectively, compared to the control. Brassinolide treatment also slightly inhibited the transportation of Cd from the roots to shoots. The findings revealed that BR had no significant effects on the Cd extraction amounts by stems, leaves, and shoots of N. officinale. However, BR promoted the growth of N. officinale and inhibited the Cd uptakes in the above-ground part of N. officinale. Thus, N. officinale could be used as a wild vegetable in the Cd-contaminated soil, although not suitable for phytoextraction as an accumulator plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation and health risk associated with absorption of the selected heavy metals (HMs) i.e., lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in a wild leafy vegetable Nasturtium officinale that grows along the Swat River in swampy areas. The areas were categorized using the ecological risk index (RI), which indicates how heavy metal concentrations in soil and plants change over time. The bioaccumulation factor was greater than that at the 400 ≤ RI sites, indicating a probable health risk of these metals from N. officinale consumption. Furthermore, the health risk index for Cd and Pb was more significant, i.e., greater than one in the majority of the samples, indicating health concerns associated with consuming N. officinale from the study site. However, Zn and Cu levels were lower than the nutritionally needed levels, raising the risk of deficiency in the population. Plants cultivated in Pb and Cd-polluted sites were nutrient deficient in Cu and Zn. Intake of such plants can expose people to HM contamination and nutritional deficiencies. The results concluded that the plants accumulated significant HM contents and may have health concerns but are safe for consumption in children and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: The green synthesis of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is an eco-friendly and straightforward synthesis method. This study aimed to investigate the green synthesis of AgNPs using Nasturtium officinale leaf extract and analysis of their antibacterial activity against some nosocomial pathogens. Materials & Methods: The obtained AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, the antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs and N. officinale leaf extract were performed against five bacterial strains (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) by agar disk diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration test. Results: The green synthesized AgNPs had significant antimicrobial activity against all studied bacteria. In addition, greater inhibition activity was observed against E. coli and P. aeruginosa rather than other bacteria. Conclusion: The synthesized AgNPs revealed a special antibacterial effect against selected bacteria, compared to leaf extract of N. officinale. Identifying new antibacterial agents with profound efficacy against antibiotic-resistant opportunistic pathogens is essential. These data provide an eco-friendly and rapid green approach for AgNPs synthesis and the potential of AgNPs for use in drug development against nosocomial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemotherapy agents can cause ovarian dysfunction and eventually lead to infertility. This study investigated the effect of nasturtium officinale extract on the ovarian function following the toxicity induced by doxorubicin in female rats. Methods: Forty eight female Wistar rats (180-210g) were randomly divided in six groups as follows: Group I, normal rats receiving 1ml normal saline; Group II and III receiving 25 and 75 mg/kg of the extract daily by gavage for 21 days. Groups IV, V and VI receiving 10 mg/kg doxorubicin intraperitoneally on the first day. In addition, Group IV and V received 25 and 75 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. The serum levels of estrogen, progesterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and ovarian Malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined after 21 days of treatment. The mean numbers of various graafian follicles and corpus lutea were recorded after treatment. Results: The mean serum FSH level in Group VI (0.11±0.01) significantly reduced compared to those in Groups II (0.21±0.05) and III (0.23±0.01), (P

Background and purpose: Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease of the lungs caused by inflammation, species of reactive oxygen, and immune defects. Antioxidant properties of Nasturtium officinale has been reported in some studies. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Nasturtium officinale (EENO) on bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis in rats. Experimental approach: Forty adult male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were randomly divided into 5 experimental groups. Normal control, BLM control received a single dose of BLM (6 IU/kg) intratracheally only on the first day, EENO + BLM group received EENO (500 mg/kg) one week before intratracheal BLM instillation and two weeks afterward, BLM + EENO group and BML + vitamin E group received EENO (500 mg/kg) and vitamin E (500 mg/kg) half-hour after BLM installation, respectively. The animals were sacrificed on day 22. Change in body weight, lung index, serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolite, lung tissue hydroxyproline content and lung pathology were assessed. Findings/Results: Pre- or post-treatment with EENO attenuated pulmonary fibrosis as evidenced by normalized lung index, improved histological changes and inhibited collagen deposition (hydroxyproline) in the animal lung. EENO also decreased MDA and NO metabolite release in comparison to the BLM control. vitamin E (500 mg/ kg) also significantly inhibited the BLM-induced lung toxicity. Conclusions and implications: EENO can prevent BLM-induced lung fibrosis in rats via antioxidant activities. However, more studies are needed to elicit the exact mechanism of this effect.

The study has proved the stimulating effects of different strategies of treatments with elicitors on the production of glucosinolates (GSLs), flavonoids, polyphenols, saccharides, and photosynthetic pigments in watercress (Nasturtium officinale) microshoot cultures. The study also assessed antioxidant and anti-melanin activities. The following elicitors were tested: ethephon (ETH), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), sodium salicylate (NaSA), and yeast extract (YeE) and were added on day 10 of the growth period. Cultures not treated with the elicitor were used as control. The total GSL content estimations and UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS analyses showed that elicitation influenced the qualitative and quantitative profiles of GSLs. MeJA stimulated the production of gluconasturtiin (68.34 mg/100 g dried weight (DW)) and glucobrassicin (65.95 mg/100 g DW). The elicitation also increased flavonoid accumulation (max. 1131.33 mg/100 g DW, for 100 μM NaSA, collection after 24 h). The elicitors did not boost the total polyphenol content. NaSA at 100 μM increased the production of total chlorophyll a and b (5.7 times after 24 h of treatment), and 50 μM NaSA caused a 6.5 times higher production of carotenoids after 8 days of treatment. The antioxidant potential (assessed with the CUPRAC FRAP and DPPH assays) increased most after 24 h of treatment with 100 μM MeJA. The assessment of anti-melanin activities showed that the microshoot extracts were able to cause inhibition of tyrosinase (max. 27.84% for 1250 µg/mL). Key points: • Elicitation stimulated of the metabolite production in N. officinale microshoots. • High production of pro-health glucosinolates and polyphenols was obtained. • N. officinale microshoots have got tyrosinase inhibition potential. • The antioxidant potential of N. officinale microshoots was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a severe economic and public-health problem for cattle producers. The emergence of acaricide resistance to synthetic chemical treatments has prompted interest in developing alternative tick control methods. Aim: The main objective of the current research was to identify the chemical structure of Carthamus tinctorius and Nasturtium officinale seed oils and to assess their anti-tick properties against Hyalomma scupense ticks both alone and in combination (1:1). Methods: Analytical methods were used to analyze the chemical components. For in vitro assays, adults of H. scupense were immersed in C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oils at 100, 125, 200, and 300 mg/ml concentrations; for 5 minutes. Larvae of H. scupense were dipped in 25, 50, 100, 125, 200, and 300 mg/ml doses of seed oils; the mortality percentage was determined after 24 hours. Results: The seed oil safflower was mainly composed of linoleic acid (84.48%), followed by palmitic acid (6.54%) and stearic acid (3.77%). Meanwhile, watercress seed oil was mainly composed of linolenic acid (50.78%), gondoic acid (13.57%), linoleic acid (10.58%), palmitic acid (8.02%), and erucidic acid (6.62%). The Adults Immersion Test showed the sensitivity of ticks to C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oil: C. tinctorius seed oil caused (95%) mortality of H. scupense at 300 mg/ml, while N. officinale seed oil induced (88.68%) mortality at the same concentration. At a 200 mg/ml concentration, C. tinctorius and N. officinale oil combined caused 100% mortality. Tested oils showed larvicidal efficacy. LC50 values for C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oils were 84.16 and 61.78 mg/ml, respectively, in 24 hours. LC50 value of oils association (50% C. tinctorius: 50% N. officinale) was 47.96 mg/ml. The mixture of seed oils from two plants tested against H. scupense larvae and adult females at a 1:1 ratio showed synergistic interaction. Conclusion: Seed oils tested alone, and the mixture could be used as an alternative solution in the fight against ticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy of Ankara University / Ankara Üniversitesi Eczacilik Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Ankara University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To study how melatonin (MT) treatment of plants used for stubble affects the heavy metal accumulation of the subsequent crop, the effects of MT-treated Nasturtium officinale on the growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation of subsequently grown rice seedlings were investigated in a pot experiment. Stubble from N. officinale treated with low concentrations (25 and 50 µmol kg−1) of MT increased the shoot biomass of rice seedlings, whereas other concentrations (100, 150, and 200 µmol kg−1) caused a decrease or had no significant effect. Nasturtium officinale stubble from plants treated with different MT concentrations also affected the rice-seedling contents of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids) and reduced the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase). Prior treatment of N. officinale with MT (>25 µmol kg−1) decreased the shoot Cd content and translocation factor of subsequently grown rice seedlings. To some extent, the application of a low concentration (25 and 50 µmol kg−1) of MT to N. officinale sown before rice can therefore promote growth and inhibit Cd transport from roots to shoots of rice seedlings, with 25 µmol kg−1 found to be the optimal concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productivity values, sodium accumulation in aboveground biomass, and photosynthetic indices of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) leaves were investigated under conditions resembling artificial closed ecological systems (CES). The seedlings were grown on nutrient media with various NaCl concentrations (0.7, 1.4, and 1.8 g/L) for 7, 14, and 19 days after transferring them to saline solutions. The productivity of plants on the seventh day of their growth on saline media did not differ from that of control plants. The decrease in plant productivity was noted in all the treatments starting from the 14th day after transferring the plants to saline solutions. When NaCl concentration in the nutrient solution was raised from 0.7 to 1.8 g/L, a significant increase in relative Na+ content in plant tissues was observed, regardless of the duration of NaCl treatment. A substantial decrease in chlorophyll (a + b) to carotenoid content ratio was noted on the seventh and 14th days in plants grown at 1.8 g/L NaCl. In plants treated for 7 days with 0.7 and 1.4 g/L NaCl, the content of chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids was found to increase, which indicates the tolerance of N. officinale to CES conditions. The relative content of chlorophylls a and b in the light-harvesting chlorophyll (a + b) complex was independent of the extent of salinity. The maximum quantum yield of photosystem II reaction in N. officinale plants had typically high values (Y(II)max of 0.755 ± 0.007). Using the Imaging Maxi version of the pulse amplitude-modulated (PAM) fluorometer, it was found that light curves for the effective quantum yield of photochemical and nonphotochemical fluorescence quenching (Y(II) and Y(NPQ), respectively) differed appreciably between the salt-treated and untreated plants in the case of long-term cultivation (19 days) at 0.7 and 1.4 g/L NaCl. The treatment with 1.8 g/L NaCl for the period from 14 to 19 days had no effect on light curves of Y(II) and Y(NPQ). It is argued that N. officinale can be used as a source of NaCl for humans under CES conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZIP (Zinc-regulated transporter, Iron-regulated transporter-like Protein, ZIP) plays an important role in uptake or transport Zn or Fe in plants. So studying ZIPs in plant can help to elucidate the molecular mechanism for Zn and Fe transportation. Herein, we have cloned a novel Zn transporter gene NoZIP3 from Nasturtium officinale root using rapid-amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method, evaluated its function by functional complementation assay and determined its relative transcriptional level by quantitative real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that the full-length cDNA of NoZIP3 was 1029 bp, which encoded a polypeptide of 342 amino acids with a conserved domain of the typical ZIPs. NoZIP3 sequence shared a high similarity (57–89%) with that of other plant species. NoZIP3 could complement a mutant yeast deficient in Zn transportation; however, it could not complement that of Fe transportation. qRT-PCR revealed that the transcriptional level of NoZIP3 in roots was much higher than that in leaves under Zn deficiency, Fe deficiency or sufficient nutrition. These results suggested that NoZIP3 might be preferentially expressed in roots and had roles in Zn transportation, which could provide the foundation for further studying the characteristics and function of this gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Ürünleri Dergisi is the property of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Urunleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated, bone-absorbing cells and play a crucial role in osteolytic bone diseases such as osteopetrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, controlling osteoclast differentiation and activation has been considered a promising strategy to prevent and treat osteolytic diseases. In this study, we demonstrate, using the mouse monocyte-derived macrophage-like cell line RAW 264, that extract from Nasturtium officinale or watercress, an herb of European origin, suppresses receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced osteoclast differentiation in vitro. N. officinale extract decreased the emergence of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive differentiated multinuclear cells and inhibited their bone-absorbing activity. The extract decreased expression of genes associated with osteoclast differentiation and function. Induction of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1), the master transcriptional regulator of osteoclastogenesis, was blunted by N. officinale extract. Activation of nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways, both of which are necessary for NFATc1 induction and osteoclast differentiation, was also suppressed by the extract. Among upstream kinases, activity of IκB-kinase β (IKKβ), but not that of TGFβ-activated kinase 1, was inhibited by N. officinale extract in vitro. Pharmacological inhibition of IKKβ by a specific inhibitor PS1145 in RAW 264 cells mostly recaptured the inhibitory action of N. officinale extract. These findings provide a novel pharmacological action of N. officinale and its potential usefulness for the prevention of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have demonstrated that diet rich in cruciferous vegetables of the Brassicaceae family can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and oxidative stress levels. Nasturtium officinale (Brassicaceae), commonly known as watercress is a perennial dicotyledonous plant usually found close to water. Although previous investigations have demonstrated the beneficial effects of watercress on hypercholesterolemia in animal studies, until now no such studies have been conducted with humans, up to this time. This study aimed to investigate whether overweight individuals were able to improve or maintain their serum lipid and oxidative stress markers when given standardized extract of Nasturtium officinale (SENO) as a supplement. This was a randomized, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled trial conducted over 5 weeks. Thirty‐four overweight people with physical disabilities were selected randomly to participate in this study and then they were assigned randomly to two groups, one treated with 750 mg//kg/d of SENO and the other treated with 750 mg/kg/d of placebo. The results indicated that SENO caused a significant improvement in the levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, and lipid peroxidation. However, SENO did not cause a significant statistical change in total serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and high‐density lipoprotein levels; catalase, superoxide dismutase, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and urea parameters. The present data might provide supportive evidence that SENO did not cause any harm and positively affected low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol profile and creatinine as well as lipid peroxidation levels in the participants. Nevertheless, further studies are suggested to clarify the results presented in this clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemotherapy agents can cause ovarian dysfunction and eventually lead to infertility. This study investigated the effect of nasturtium officinale extract on the ovarian function following the toxicity induced by doxorubicin in female rats. Methods: Forty eight female Wistar rats (180-210g) were randomly divided in six groups as follows: Group I, normal rats receiving 1ml normal saline; Group II and III receiving 25 and 75 mg/kg of the extract daily by gavage for 21 days. Groups IV, V and VI receiving 10 mg/kg doxorubicin intraperitoneally on the first day. In addition, Group IV and V received 25 and 75 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. The serum levels of estrogen, progesterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and ovarian Malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined after 21 days of treatment. The mean numbers of various graafian follicles and corpus lutea were recorded after treatment. Results: The mean serum FSH level in Group VI (0.11±0.01) significantly reduced compared to those in Groups II (0.21±0.05) and III (0.23±0.01), (P<0.05). The mean serum LH and estrogen levels in Group VI (0.16±0.08) reduced insignificantly compared to those in the controls (0.21±0.02), and in Groups II (0.23±0.03) and III (0.22±0.09). A significant reduction in the number of primary, secondary and graafian follicles were observed in Group VI compared to the control group (P<0.05). The serum MDA level significantly declined in Group V compared to that in Group VI (P<0.05). Conclusion: The nasturtium officinale extract attenuated the toxic effect of doxorubicin on the rat ovaries and protected the cell division in the follicles and the oocytes maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation of Nasturtium officinale cuttings taken from plants continuously grafted (three times) onto the rootstock of Brassica oleracea were studied in a pot experiment. As the number of grafting events increased, the biomass of the Cd-accumulator N. officinale significantly increased. With the third grafting event, the root and shoot biomasses increased by 369% and 142%, respectively, compared with the control. The photosynthetic pigment content also increased gradually, showing a stable trend after the third grafting event. The superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities and the soluble protein content reached maximum values with the first grafting event, but the catalase activity showed a gradually increasing trend. The Cd content in N. officinale decreased gradually, but Cd extraction by N. officinale showed an increasing trend. With the third grafting event, the Cd extractions by the roots, shoots and whole plants of N. officinale increased by 190%, 69% and 90%, respectively, compared with the control. Thus, cuttings from continuously grafted N. officinale plants had increased growth and Cd accumulation rates, which improved the phytoremediation capability of N. officinale, with three grafting events being optimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In view of the limitations on good quality water, the use of low-quality water in agriculture is seen as a suitable alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a protected environment, the production of broadleaf watercress in an NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system as a function of the use of brackish water and different circulation times for the nutrient solution. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of UFC, in Fortaleza, Ceará, from December 2018 to March 2019 (two crop cycles). The treatments were distributed in a randomised block design in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, five levels of water salinity (0.6, 1.6, 2.6, 3.6 and 4.6 dS m-1) and two circulation times for the nutrient solution (10 and 15 min), totalling 10 treatments with 4 replications, resulting in 40 experimental plots. The parameters under evaluation were plant height and number of leaves at 6, 10, 14, 20 and 25 days after transplanting (DAT), leaf area, shoot and root fresh weight, and shoot and root dry weight for each cycle. Water salinity maintained at 2.6 dS m-1 was considered satisfactory for watercress production in both crop cycles under evaluation. A circulation time of 15 minutes for the nutrient solution gave the best results in the watercress at all levels of salinity.

Background and Objective: Biofilms caused by pathogenic microorganisms that plays an important role against human health. Due to their resistance to detergents and antimicrobial agent, treatment response of affected patients with these bacteria is difficult. This study was done to evaluate the effect of methanol extract of Nasturtium officinale plant on growth and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: In this descriptive - laboratory study, the extraction was done by Maceration in 80% methanol and by rotary evaporator. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Nasturtium officinale extracts were determined by broth microdilution method. Biofilm formation was investigated using the microtiter plate and stained with crystal violet. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration of Nasturtium officinale against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 0.625 mg/ml and the Minimum bactericidal concentration of this extract was 1.25 mg/ml. PAO1 strain and 5 clinical strains were able to biofilm formation. Inhibition of biofilm formation by extract of Nasturtium officinale plant was dependent to concentration. The highest percentage of inhibition of biofilm formation was in the concentration of 7.5 mg/ml and the lowest percentage of inhibition of biofilm formation was in the concentration of 0.11 mg/ml. The mean of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm inhibition by Nasturtium officinale extracts was 72.69±22.27 %. In the concentrations of 7.5, 0.93, 0.46, 0.23 and 0.11 mg/ml, there was a significant difference between clinical strains and PAO1 strain (P

It is well established that plants from the Brassicaceae family, particularly watercress, have been associated to reduce oxidative DNA damage. Nasturtium officinale R. Br (watercress) contains glucosinolates, with anti-inflammatory action and protective effect on human health against oxidative stress. We aimed to evaluate whether the standardized extract of Nasturtium officinale (SENO) is capable of changing biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in people with physical disabilities. 65 people enrolled this study: as a control group composed by; 15 people with no physical disability assessed once, 25 people with physical disabilities using 750 mg/kg/day of SENO, and 25 people with physical disabilities using 750 mg/kg/day of placebo-control for 5 weeks. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were analyzed on day 0 and 36. The results indicated that SENO was associated with decreasing levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and C-reactive protein. Furthermore, the cytokine kit demonstrated below and out of invertible range, which was impossible to detect the inflammatory process. Despite the cytokine kit was not able to detect the inflammation; these data might provide supportive evidence that SENO, have affected positively people with physical disabilities decreasing their biomarkers of oxidative stress and C-reactive protein. Further studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) is a cruciferous plant consumed by people worldwide. This vegetable contains numerous health-benefiting compounds; however, gene information and metabolomic profiling of individual parts for this plant species are scarce. In this study, we investigated the expression patterns of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes and the content of phenylpropanoids in different parts of watercress. We identified 11 genes encoding enzymes related to the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway and analyzed the expression patterns of these genes in the leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and seeds of watercress. The result showed that most of the genes were expressed at the highest levels in the flowers. HPLC analysis performed in samples from these same parts revealed the presence of seven phenylpropanoid-derived compounds. The content of total phenylpropanoids was the highest in flowers, followed by that in the leaves, whereas the lowest level was generally detected in the stems. Rutin was the most abundant phenylpropanoid in all plant segments, while quercetin was detected only in the flowers and roots. This study provides useful information for further molecular and functional research involving N. officinale and closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pest Management Science is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Parasite (1252607X) is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the study was to investigate responses of Nasturtium officinale R.Br. (watercress) under heavy metal stress. RAPD-PCR was used to determine the banding pattern variation in the samples influenced by different doses of heavy metals (HMs). After treatment with HMs, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) of samples have been determined. The maximum enzyme activities were observed at different exposure conditions. The level of MDA increased with increasing heavy metal concentration. Changes in RAPD profiles of heavy metal treated samples compared with control. Our results showed that exposed samples with Cr gave the minimum number of new fragments compared with control. These results suggest that increase in anti-oxidative enzyme activity may play important roles in alleviating the toxicity of Cr, Cu, and Cd in N. officinale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a common chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the airways. One of the most devastating consequences of this inflammatory process is the production of reactive oxygen species responsible for oxidative stress. Nasturtium officinale commonly known as watercress has traditionally been applied in Iranian folk medicine to treat respiratory disorders and diseases mainly bronchitis and asthma. In accordance with these ethnopharmacological reports, through our previous in vivo experiment, we have confirmed significant effect of its hydroalcoholic extract in reducing lung inflammation and oxidative stress in an ovalbumin-induced asthmatic rat model. Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of N. officinale hydroalcoholic extract (NOE) in patients with asthma, in order to confirm our findings of the previous performed in vivo study. The NOE capsules (500 mg) were treated twice daily for 4 weeks as a supplementary treatment in a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial in asthmatics. The primary outcome was Asthma Control Test score. The blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study. Then, the level of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activity were measured. Treatment with NOE for one month caused a reduction in the levels of MDA, PCO and NO metabolite markers compared to the placebo group. In addition, FRAP levels as an indicator of total antioxidant capacity in the intervention group was significantly increased at the end of the treatment period compared to pre-treatment values. Findings demonstrated that NOE may have a therapeutic effect on asthma by improving oxidative stress. However, more studies are required to support these results. Moreover, bio-assay guided fractionation and isolation approach can be conducted to identify major bioactive compound/s. [Display omitted] • Nasturtium officinale has been well-known in Iranian folk medicine to treat respiratory disorders and ailments. • The efficacy of N. officinale on asthmatic patients was assessed through a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. • The hydroalcoholic extract of N. officinale reduced the levels of inflammatory markers and enhanced antioxidant enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant Preservative Mixture™ (PPM), a relatively new broad-spectrum preservative and biocide for use in plant tissue culture, was evaluated as an alternative to the use of conventional antibiotics and fungicides in plant tissue culture. Culture inoculated in MS media supplemented with PPM (1.5 ml/l) was the effective concentration which gave the best values. The top values were recorded for all studied characters using apical buds compared with lateral buds. The combination between apical buds and (1.5 ml/l ) PPM concentration showed the superior values of all studied parameters( 33.25%,19.40%, 14.46%,20.53% and 79.46%)(60.55%,39.80%,20.97%,45.33% and 54.44%) and (31.20%, 20. 06%, 12.33%, 35.13% and 81.06 %) for contamination, %bacterial contamination, % offungi contamination, dead explants% and survival explants% respectively. Different concentrations of PPM (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 ml/l) were tested using single node and apex explants of watercress (Nasturtium officinale). PPM at (1.5ml/l) had significant effect on the studied characters; shoots height, shoots number, leaf pairs number, fresh and dry weight which they reaches (4.16, 4.62, 42.00,0.524 and 0.063 g, respectively ). Apex bud explants showed the greatest effect on shoots height shoots number, leaf pairs number, fresh and dry weight and their values were 3.52, 32.02, 3.38, 0.405 and 0.036 g, respectively. The best parameter were recorded on MS media supplemented with PPM at (1.5ml/l) with apex buds explant (4.55, 5.34, 46.28, 0.570 and 0.085, respectively) for shoots height, shoots number, leaf pair number, fresh and dry weight. Current study aimed to determine the best concentration of PPM for limiting the contamination of watercress and micro shoot regeneration.

Abstract Background Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) is an aquatic herb species that is a rich source of secondary metabolites such as glucosinolates. Among these glucosinolates, watercress contains high amounts of gluconasturtiin (2-phenethyl glucosinolate) and its hydrolysis product, 2-phennethyl isothiocyanate, which plays a role in suppressing tumor growth. However, the use of N. officinale as a source of herbal medicines is currently limited due to insufficient genomic and physiological information. Results To acquire precise information on glucosinolate biosynthesis in N. officinale, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome of different organs of N. officinale. Transcriptome analysis of N. officinale seedlings yielded 69,570,892 raw reads. These reads were assembled into 69,635 transcripts, 64,876 of which were annotated to transcripts in public databases. On the basis of the functional annotation of N. officinale, we identified 33 candidate genes encoding enzymes related to glucosinolate biosynthetic pathways and analyzed the expression of these genes in the leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and seeds of N. officinale. The expression of NoMYB28 and NoMYB29, the main regulators of aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis, was highest in the stems, whereas the key regulators of indolic glucosinolate biosynthesis, such as NoDof1.1, NoMYB34, NoMYB51, and NoMYB122, were strongly expressed in the roots. Most glucosinolate biosynthetic genes were highly expressed in the flowers. HPLC analysis enabled us to detect eight glucosinolates in the different organs of N. officinale. Among these glucosinolates, the level of gluconasturtiin was considerably higher than any other glucosinolate in individual organs, and the amount of total glucosinolates was highest in the flower. Conclusions This study has enhanced our understanding of functional genomics of N. officinale, including the glucosinolate biosynthetic pathways of this plant. Ultimately, our data will be helpful for further research on watercress bio-engineering and better strategies for exploiting its anti-carcinogenic properties.